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ID Hostel - Leblon

If you are looking for a cheap bed in a quiet spot, then this might be the place for you. Leblon is lovely and the beach is a stone’s throw away. For most hostel-goers, however, the ID is likely to be too tame and the rooms too tight.

Location

7/10

It might not strike visitors instantly but Leblon is one of the most charming – and expensive – areas in Rio de Janeiro. It occupies a little triangle of streets at the west end of the beach close to Ipanema and is delightfully placid and peaceful. The only disturbances tend to come from rowdy Brazilian jocks watching football or spilling out of bars like Belmonte or Jobi. Some backpackers, however, may want to party in Ipanema or Lapa, in which case they will need to jump on the metro, take the bus or, at night, a taxi. ID is one block from Posto 11 on the beach, which is equally popular with surfers and local families alike.

Style & character

5/10

The hostel has gone for a simple industrial style design – poured concrete, exposed brick and a rope wall going between the metal staircases. The endless grey and black is cheered up with yellow highlights, including drawers beneath the beds, ladders and blankets. Industrial-chic maybe easy to maintain but it doesn’t give a place much character.

Service & facilities

5/10

The lack of a decent social area – the lobby is small and the roof terrace was unfurnished when I was there – is a serious drawback for a hostel. Most people put up with basic living conditions if socialising is made easy. It seems it would be harder here compared to other hostels in the city. The front desk is manned 24 hours a day, and the staff is knowledgable about tours, parties and transfers to the airport and other places nearby. There is also a daily cleaning service and sheets and towels are included in the price.

Bar

Beach

Wi-Fi

Rooms

6/10

Piled three high and often with no gap between one set of bunks and the next, beds are crammed in the dormitories. There can be as many as 15 to a room too, so opting to pay a little more and share with fewer people would ensure a quieter stay. Over half of the dorm rooms have an en-suite bathroom. The air-conditioning seems to be set permanently to Arctic which will be ideal for some, a nightmare for others. On the plus side, the pillows and mattresses are good quality and each bed has its own electricity socket to charge your phone.

Food & drink

5/10

The breakfast (included) is simple but sufficient with bread, cheese, ham and fresh fruit and two juices (usually either grape, cashew or guava) available daily. There is no kitchen for guests to keep food or cater for themselves. Luckily, almost every corner in Leblon has a juice bar that will serve you smoothies, sandwiches and Brazilian street snacks, like coxinhas (battered shredded-chicken balls) or bowls of açaí. Beers, Pringles and other basics are available at reception 24 hours a day and filter water is free.